Robotic or laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy is become polpular because of several benefits that the patient has when compare to open surgery. Worldwide for prostatic cancer, robotic surgery is the most popular approach today. In United States, nearly 60% of radical prostatectomies are performed robotically. Prostate is a difficult area to reach for open surgery as the bony frame of the hip (pelvis) reduces the access. Robot makes the work easier for the surgeon thus benefiting the patient.
PROSTATE CANCER
FOR PATIENTS
Dr. Sandeep Nayak
MBBS, MRCSEd, DNB (Gen Surg),
MNAMS (Gen Surg), DNB (Surgical Oncology),
Fellowship in Laparoscopic and Robotic Onco-Surgery.
Dr Nayak is one of the leading senior Surgical Oncologists (cancer surgeon) of Bangalore. He is one of the pioneers of Laproscopic (laparoscopic) cancer treatment (surgery).He is the Director of Surgical Oncology at Fortis Hospital, Bangalore.
Dr. Bharath .G
MBBS, MS, M.Ch
EDUCATION
MBBS from KIMS, Bangalore
MS from NHLMMC, Ahmedabad
M.Ch Surgical oncology from Tata Memorial hospital,Mumbai
WORK EXPERIENCE
Assistant Professor in RRMCH, Bangalore
The advantages of robotic & laparoscopic cancer surgery include
WHAT IS PROSTATE CANCER ?
Prostate is gland that is located at the base of urinary bladder among men. This gland enlarges with age, which is called benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). Rarely cancer can occur in this gland. This is usually a disease of old age (>60 years).These are very slow growing tumors. It is said that ‘a patient is more likely to die with prostate cancer than because of it.’
SYMPTOMS & DIAGNOSIS
Prostate cancer patients most commonly develop blockage to urine flow or blood in urine. However, people who perform a blood test called PSA on yearly basis may reach a diagnosis before the the cancer blocks the flow of urine. Prostate cancer spreads mainly to back bones and when this happens patients develop back pain.
Diagnosis is reached based on ultrasound and biopsy. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) in blood can give good idea about the aggressiveness of the disease. The planning of treatment depends on the features on biopsy and PSA levels, in addition to many other factors.
STAGING & TREATMENT OF PROSTATE CANCER
Stage I
These cancers are contained inside prostate with good risk features. The treatment advisable is radical prostatectomy. Robotic or Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy is as effective as open surgery and is much better tolerated by the patients. Patients who are unfit for surgery may be given radiation or just observed with PSA levels.
Stage II
This is a more aggressive tumor that needs to be treated more by either surgery (radical prostatectomy) or radiation. Robotic or Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy is as effective as open surgery and is much better tolerated by the patients. Radiation therapy is combined with hormone therapy for 3 to 6 months. Only in extremely unfit patients these may be observed with PSA monitoring.
Stage III
Stage III cancers have spread just beyond the prostate gland. Surgery and radiation therapy are the options. Robotic or Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy is as effective as open surgery and is much better tolerated by the patients. It needs to be combined with hormone therapy after surgery.
Stage IV
Stage IV cancers have already spread to adjacent organs (bladder, rectum) or to lymph nodes or to distant organs like bones. These are not curable. But, many of these patients do well with hormonal treatment.
